Rainbow cupcakes are colorful and vibrant cupcakes that are sure to delight both kids and adults. They are made with a vanilla cupcake base and decorated with colorful layers of cake batter to create a beautiful rainbow effect. Here is a recipe for Rainbow Cupcakes:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ready Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcake Batter:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
For the Rainbow Layers:
- Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
For the Frosting and Decoration:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Divide the cupcake batter equally into six small bowls.
- Add a different gel food coloring to each bowl to create six vibrant colors for the rainbow layers. Stir well to distribute the color evenly.
- Starting with one color, spoon a small amount of the batter into each cupcake liner. Repeat this process with the remaining colors, layering them one on top of the other.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the frosting on top of each cupcake. You can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or simply spread the frosting with a knife.
- Optionally, decorate the cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles for an extra touch of color and fun.
- Serve and enjoy the delightful Rainbow Cupcakes!
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cupcakes to avoid over-baking.
This recipe makes approximately 12-15 rainbow cupcakes, depending on the size. Adjust the quantity of ingredients based on your requirements. Have fun baking and enjoy the colorful Rainbow Cupcakes!
